MUMBAI: The cricketing world bids farewell to a true legend, Dickie Bird, who passed away at the age of 92. Remembered for his iconic finger-raise that famously declared Michael Holding out leg-before, setting the stage for Mohinder Amarnath to claim a stump in India’s historic 1983 World Cup victory, Bird’s presence on the field was nothing short of iconic.
For Indian cricket enthusiasts throughout the 1980s and 90s, whether watching matches in England or Sharjah, Dickie Bird was a beloved and familiar face. His distinctive hand gestures for boundaries, his infectious witty smile, occasional friendly banter with players, and his celebrated partnership with fellow umpire David Shepherd are memories that continue to resonate deeply.
Cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar expressed his sorrow, stating, "That’s sad news. Having played the game at the first-class level, Dickie truly understood the tensions and pressures players faced. He was always empathetic to their frustrations if a decision didn’t go their way. Players adored him because he was always ready for a chat, sometimes even between deliveries. Cricket has truly lost a unique character and a superb umpire. May his soul rest in peace."
Gavaskar also shared a heartwarming anecdote from his career, recalling how Bird once gave him an impromptu haircut during his memorable 101 at Old Trafford on a blustery Manchester day. Gavaskar had asked Bird if he had scissors to trim his hair, and Bird, ever the good sport, obliged using the scissors typically meant for cutting ball threads. Gavaskar considers that century his finest Test innings.
Another hero from the 1983 World Cup triumph, Balwinder Singh Sandhu, who famously sustained a severe blow to his helmet from Malcolm Marshall’s bowling in the Lord’s final, reminisced about Bird’s firm yet fair nature. Sandhu highlighted how Bird reprimanded the West Indian great after the incident and praised him for his accurate decisions in an era before the advent of TV umpires. "He was one of the most respected and fair umpires. Umpiring in the pre-third umpire era wasn’t easy, but Dickie earned the respect of cricketers around the world," Sandhu affirmed.
Former India captain Dilip Vengsarkar echoed these sentiments, saying, "He was one of those rare umpires, highly respected by all players. He possessed an incredible ability to control the game and was immensely popular with the crowds."